Royal Treasures of Poland with Prague Extension

DAY 1 – Poznan-Gniezno

We arrive today in Poznan from our pre-tour to Germany. Those who are not opting for a pre-tour may fly into Berlin and the pre tour coach will pick you up at the airport. Limited flights to Pozna are available. Upon arrival in Poznan, a local guide will join us for a walking tour starting on the island of Ostrow Tumski where we find Poland’s very first cathedral: St Peter and Paul’s. Pope John Paul II used to say, “This is where Poland started”. Then we walk through the charming Old Town of Poznan. We see the hallmark of the city, the “Poznaskie Koziolki,” where two charming billy-goats butt heads every day at noon. We have time to admire the Old Town Square with its Renaissance Town Hall before we stroll through the narrow streets of this historical area until we reach St. Stanislav’s Church, a pearl of the Polish Baroque, brimming with gilded ornaments and moldings. We drive to Gniezno for overnight. After a special Polish dinner, our guide will take those interested to hear some great local jazz at the Blue Note Bar Club. Hotel Pietrak or similar, Wagrowiec (D)

DAY 2 – Zagan – Zary

This morning we visit Imperial Palace, the last palace built in Europe by Kaiser Wilhelm before the start of World War I. Then we drive south through the countryside and begin to learn a little of the history of Poland and the Von Promnitz family, the royal family line that Polish authorities thought had died out. In fact, some of the family line had moved to Iowa during the 30 Years War. The Von Promnitz family is also referred to as the Family of Faith by the Polish people. We stop in Zagan for lunch in a village where Sigmond Von Promnitz who was Prince Charles’ grandfather, 10 generations removed, lived. After lunch, we drive to the town of Zary where the main Von Promnitz Palace is located. We visit the town museum which houses some of the pieces from the palace and history of the area. In city hall we find a picture of Count Johann Edmann Von Promnitz, the grandson of Count Beltazar Von Promnitz (Bishop of Wroclaw) and the son of Count Edmond Von Promnitz. Afterwards we take a short drive to Wroclaw where Count Beltazar Von Promnitz was the Bishop of the Catholic Church in 1520. Tonight at dinner we will learn about the letters that Count Beltazar shared with Luther about the need to address changes within the Catholic Church. We will stay overnight in the Von Promnitz Palace or in the Palace Brody. Von Promnitz Palace or the Palace Brody, Brody (B,D)

DAY 3 – Zary

Today we experience the flavors of Wroclaw as we discover its delicious cuisine, history and culture. We take a two and a half hour stroll with several stops for generous tastings along the way. We begin with a visit to the historic early 20th-century market hall with butchers, cheese-mongers and bakers stalls inside. Then we continue to a medieval restaurant, traditional local microbrewery, a typical Communist-style drinking bar and conclude at a cafe in the historical Quarter of Religious Tolerance. Along the way, we will learn the history of Wroclaw and the stories behind the dishes as we sample local specialties including pierogi (dumplings with various filling), zurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter’s stew), kielbasa (sausage), Zubrówka (bison grass vodka), piwo (beer) or sernik (cheesecake). This afternoon we have an option of free time for shopping in Wrocaw or taking the coach to Zary (located about ten miles away) to visit the Promnitz Museum and the Brody Palace. Von Promnitz Palace or the Palace Brody, Brody (B,L)

DAY 4 – Nysa – Promnice

This morning, we stop briefly in Nysa, where we see Count Von Promnitz’s grave and massive tombstone. Then we continue on to Promnice where we explore the family hunting lodge or palace. Promnitz Family Hunting Lodge or similar, Pszczyna (B,D)

DAY 5 – Promnice – Pszczyna

This morning we drive to Pszczyna, stopping en route at Auschwitz to remember a lesson in history never to be forgotten. In Pszczyna, we visit the Von Promnitz family mansion, set in the 1800s, for a private tour. We see the music mirror room and marble pillars as well as the family swords and portraits and even the family coffins.  Tonight is a formal ball at the family castle. Promnitz Family Hunting Lodge or similar, Pszczyna (B,D)

DAY 6 – Kraków

Today we depart for Kraków, a city proud of its traditions and heritage, the home of the former Pope and one of Europe’s great cultural treasurers. Preserved in its entirety as a medieval town, Poland’s former capital miraculously escaped destruction in World War II and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A local guide takes us on a walking tour of the Main Town Square. We see the City Hall and the Church of St. Mary, Kraków’s most important church, which dates back to the late fourteenth century. As we walk around the church and the central square, we may hear the silvery notes of a trumpet coming from the church tower. This afternoon we continue our exploration and see the old Ghetto wall, and Oskar Schindler’s former factory and sites. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner in a Polish restaurant. Hotel Ascot or similar, Krakow (B,D)

DAY 7 – Departure

We depart early this morning for our return flight home or depart on our post tour to Prague. (B)

Extension to Prague (for those not returning from Krakow):

DAY 7 – Prague

This morning we depart Krakow for Prague.  Along the way we stop in Olomouc in the Czech Republic where a local guide introduces us to the city which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage.   We walk through the town’s main square dominated by the majestic Trinity Column, and the streets around are dotted with must-see churches, testifying to the city’s long history as a bastion of the Catholic Church. On every visitor route is the ancient Olomouc Castle with Archdiocesan Museum. After lunch we continue on to Prague our home for the next three nights. Tonight we take in dinner and a folklore show. Hotel Diplomat or similar, Prague, Czech Republic (B,D)

DAY 8 – Prague

We start our day off with a locally guided walking tour of Hradcany, the largest castle complex in the world. Besides Prague Castle, the grounds also include St.Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane, a collection of small cottages from the 16th century. After walking across the famous Charles Bridge, we arrive at Wenceslas Square, a wide boulevard that is dominated by the National Museum and a statue of Saint Wenceslas. The afternoon is free to purchase some Czech crystal or garnet jewelry, visit one of the many fine museums or simply sample some Czech delicacies near the city center. This evening we enjoy a dinner cruise and music on the Vltava River. Hotel Diplomat or similar, Prague, Czech Republic (B,D)

DAY 9 – Prague

This morning a local guide takes us into the Jewish Quarter where we see the Cemetery and Museum including Pinkas Synagogue which houses children’s artwork from Theresienstadt. After free time this afternoon we bid farewell to Europe with a performance of Mozart and a wine reception this evening. Hotel Diplomat or similar, Prague, Czech Republic (B,D)

DAY 10 – Return to USA (B)

Extension: Additional Price per Person. Call for details.